U.S. patent application number 13/454529 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for system and method of wind turbine control.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Devendra Shashikant Dange, Thomas Frank Fric, Edward Wayne Hardwicke, JR., Renjith Viripullan Kekkaroth, Noah Pennington. Invention is credited to Devendra Shashikant Dange, Thomas Frank Fric, Edward Wayne Hardwicke, JR., Renjith Viripullan Kekkaroth, Noah Pennington.
Application Number | 20130277970 13/454529 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48139846 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130277970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dange; Devendra Shashikant ;
et al. |
October 24, 2013 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF WIND TURBINE CONTROL
Abstract
In one aspect, embodiments of a method of controlling a power
rating of a wind turbine are described. One embodiment of the
method comprises retrieving, by a computing device, one or more
preset values from a memory, wherein the one or more preset values
include at least an initial torque setpoint for a wind turbine;
determining, by the computing device, an adjusted torque setpoint
for the wind turbine based at least in part on one or more
operating conditions received from one or more measurement devices
associated with the wind turbine; and adjusting a real power output
rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint. In one aspect, the computing device can be a controller
for the wind turbine.
Inventors: |
Dange; Devendra Shashikant;
(Atlanta, GA) ; Fric; Thomas Frank; (Greer,
SC) ; Hardwicke, JR.; Edward Wayne; (Simpsonville,
SC) ; Kekkaroth; Renjith Viripullan; (Bangalore,
IN) ; Pennington; Noah; (Simpsonville, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dange; Devendra Shashikant
Fric; Thomas Frank
Hardwicke, JR.; Edward Wayne
Kekkaroth; Renjith Viripullan
Pennington; Noah |
Atlanta
Greer
Simpsonville
Bangalore
Simpsonville |
GA
SC
SC
SC |
US
US
US
IN
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
|
Family ID: |
48139846 |
Appl. No.: |
13/454529 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
290/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F05B 2270/335 20130101;
Y02E 10/72 20130101; F03D 7/0284 20130101; F03D 7/026 20130101;
F03D 7/0272 20130101; Y02E 10/723 20130101; F03D 7/0276 20130101;
F05B 2270/1033 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/44 |
International
Class: |
H02P 9/04 20060101
H02P009/04 |
Claims
1. A control system for a wind turbine comprising: one or more
measurement devices, wherein the one or more measurement devices
are configured to measure one or more operating conditions of a
wind turbine; a controller; and a memory associated with the
controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive the
one or more measured operating conditions from the one or more
measurement devices; retrieve one or more preset values from the
memory wherein said one or more preset values includes an initial
torque setpoint for the wind turbine; determine an adjusted torque
setpoint for the wind turbine based at least in part on one or more
operating conditions received from one or more measurement devices
associated with the wind turbine; and adjust a real power output
rating in the controller for the wind turbine based on the
determined adjusted torque setpoint.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller configured to
determine an adjusted torque setpoint for the wind turbine based at
least in part on one or more operating conditions received from one
or more measurement devices associated with the wind turbine
comprises receiving one or more of a system grid voltage, one or
more grid currents, one or more grid phase angles and ambient
temperature, wherein the controller calculates a system power
factor from the received measured operating conditions.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller configured to
retrieve one or more preset values from the memory further
comprises retrieving one or more of an altitude of the wind turbine
and a turbulence density from the memory.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller configured to
adjust the real power output rating of the wind turbine based on
the determined adjusted torque setpoint comprises uprating the real
power output rating of the wind turbine based on the determined
adjusted torque setpoint.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the controller configured to
adjust the real power output rating of the wind turbine based on
the determined adjusted torque setpoint comprises uprating an
initial real power output rating of the wind turbine by about three
percent or greater based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint
at the system grid voltage of 1.0 per unit or greater, the ambient
temperature of about 40 Celsius, and the system power factor is
between -0.90 up to and including about +0.90.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein the controller configured to
adjust the real power output rating of the wind turbine based on
the determined adjusted torque setpoint comprises derating the real
power output rating of the wind turbine based on the determined
adjusted torque setpoint.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the controller configured to
adjust the real power output rating of the wind turbine based on
the determined adjusted torque setpoint comprises derating an
initial real power output rating of the wind turbine by about 0.10
percent or greater based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint
when the system power factor is between -0.90 to and including
about -0.95.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller configured to
adjust the real power output rating of the wind turbine based on
the determined adjusted torque setpoint comprises uprating an
initial real power output rating of the wind turbine based on the
determined adjusted torque setpoint.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller configured to
adjust the real power output rating of the wind turbine based on
the determined adjusted torque setpoint comprises derating an
initial real power output rating of the wind turbine based on the
determined adjusted torque setpoint.
10. A control system for a wind turbine comprising: one or more
measurement devices, wherein the one or more measurement devices
are configured to measure at least a system grid voltage, one or
more grid currents, one or more grid phase angles, and an ambient
temperature; a controller; and a memory associated with the
controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive the
system grid voltage, one or more grid currents, one or more grid
phase angles, and ambient temperature from the one or more
measurement devices; calculate a system power factor from the
received system grid voltage, one or more grid currents, one or
more grid phase angles; retrieve an initial torque setpoint,
altitude of the wind turbine and a turbulence intensity from the
memory; determine an adjusted torque setpoint for the wind turbine
based on the system grid voltage, the system power factor, ambient
temperature, altitude of the wind turbine, and the turbulence
intensity; replace the initial torque setpoint in the controller
for the wind turbine with the determined adjusted torque setpoint;
and uprate or derate a power rating of the wind turbine based on
the determined adjusted torque setpoint.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the controller configured to
uprate or derate the real power output rating of the wind turbine
based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint comprises uprating
an initial real power output rating of the wind turbine by about
three percent or greater based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint at the system grid voltage of 1.0 per unit or greater, the
ambient temperature of about 40 Celsius, and the system power
factor is between -0.90 up to and including about +0.90.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the controller configured to
uprate or derate the real power output rating of the wind turbine
based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint comprises derating
an initial real power output rating of the wind turbine by about
0.10 percent or greater based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint when the system power factor is between -0.90 to and
including about -0.95.
13. A method for controlling a power rating of a wind turbine
comprising: retrieving, by a computing device, one or more preset
values from a memory, wherein said one or more preset values
includes an initial torque setpoint for a wind turbine;
determining, by the computing device, an adjusted torque setpoint
for the wind turbine based at least in part on one or more
operating conditions received from one or more measurement devices
associated with the wind turbine; and adjusting a real power output
rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein determining, by the computing
device, an adjusted torque setpoint for the wind turbine based at
least in part on one or more operating conditions received from one
or more measurement devices associated with the wind turbine
comprises receiving one or more of a system grid voltage, one or
more grid currents, one or more grid phase angles and ambient
temperature, wherein the computing device calculates a system power
factor from the received measured operating conditions.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein retrieving, by the computing
device, one or more preset values from a memory further comprises
retrieving one or more of an altitude of the wind turbine and a
turbulence density from the memory.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the real power output
rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint comprises uprating the real power output rating of the
wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein adjusting the real power output
rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint comprises uprating an initial real power output rating of
the wind turbine by about three percent or greater based on the
determined adjusted torque setpoint at the system grid voltage of
1.0 per unit or greater, the ambient temperature of about 40
Celsius, and the system power factor is between -0.90 up to and
including about +0.90.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein adjusting the real power output
rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint comprises derating the real power output rating of the
wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein adjusting the real power output
rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint comprises derating an initial real power output rating of
the wind turbine by about 0.10 percent or greater based on the
determined adjusted torque setpoint when the system power factor is
between -0.90 to and including about -0.95.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein adjusting the real power output
rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint comprises uprating an initial real power output rating of
the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint.
21. The method of claim 13, wherein adjusting the real power output
rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint comprises derating an initial real power output rating of
the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint.
22. The method of claim 13, wherein the computing device comprises
a controller for the wind turbine.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter described herein relates generally to
wind turbines and, more particularly, to a method and system for
controlling a wind turbine and increasing the amount of energy
capture.
[0002] Generally, a wind turbine includes a turbine that has a
rotor that includes a rotatable hub assembly having multiple
blades. The blades transform wind energy into a mechanical
rotational torque that drives one or more generators via the rotor.
The generators are sometimes, but not always, rotationally coupled
to the rotor through a gearbox. The gearbox steps up the inherently
low rotational speed of the rotor for the generator to efficiently
convert the rotational mechanical energy to electrical energy,
which is fed into a utility grid via at least one electrical
connection. Gearless direct drive wind turbines also exist. The
rotor, generator, gearbox and other components are typically
mounted within a housing, or nacelle, that is positioned on top of
a base that may be a truss or tubular tower.
[0003] Some wind turbine configurations include double-fed
induction generators (DFIGs). Such configurations may also include
power converters that are used to convert a frequency of generated
electric power to a frequency substantially similar to a utility
grid frequency. Moreover, such converters, in conjunction with the
DFIG, also transmit electric power between the utility grid and the
generator as well as transmit generator excitation power to a wound
generator rotor from one of the connections to the electric utility
grid connection. Alternatively, some wind turbine configurations
include, but are not limited to, alternative types of induction
generators, permanent magnet (PM) synchronous generators and
electrically-excited synchronous generators and switched reluctance
generators. These alternative configurations may also include power
converters that are used to convert the frequencies as described
above and transmit electrical power between the utility grid and
the generator.
[0004] Known wind turbines have a plurality of mechanical and
electrical components. Each electrical and/or mechanical component
may have independent or different operating limitations, such as
current, voltage, power, and/or temperature limits, than other
components. Moreover, known wind turbines typically are designed
and/or assembled with predefined rated power limits. To operate
within such rated power limits, the electrical and/or mechanical
components may be operated with large margins for the operating
limitations. In some instances, operating limitations are
established for average operating conditions and not determined by
real-time measurement of operating conditions. Such operation may
result in inefficient wind turbine operation, and a power
generation capability of the wind turbine may be underutilized. For
example, in some combinations of operating conditions, operating
limitations can be greater than those allowed based on average
operating conditions without any loss in safety margins. Simply
put, the machine may produce more power at favorable operating
conditions when such operating conditions are monitored and
measured in real-time or near real-time without increasing the risk
of damaging the machine.
[0005] Therefore, what are desired are methods and systems that
overcome challenges in the art, some of which are described
above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Described herein are embodiments of methods and systems to
control a wind turbine based on torque settings determined from one
or more measured operating conditions.
[0007] In one aspect, embodiments of a method of controlling a
power rating of a wind turbine are described. One embodiment of the
method comprises retrieving, by a computing device, one or more
preset values from a memory, wherein the one or more preset values
include at least an initial torque setpoint for a wind turbine;
determining, by the computing device, an adjusted torque setpoint
for the wind turbine based at least in part on one or more
operating conditions received from one or more measurement devices
associated with the wind turbine; and adjusting a real power output
rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint.
[0008] In another aspect, embodiments of systems for controlling a
wind turbine are described. One embodiment comprises one or more
measurement devices, wherein the one or more measurement devices
are configured to measure one or more operating conditions of a
wind turbine; a controller; and a memory associated with the
controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive the
one or more measured operating conditions from the one or more
measurement devices; retrieve one or more preset values from the
memory wherein said one or more preset values includes an initial
torque setpoint for the wind turbine; determine an adjusted torque
setpoint for the wind turbine based at least in part on one or more
operating conditions received from one or more measurement devices
associated with the wind turbine; and adjust a real power output
rating in the controller for the wind turbine based on the
determined adjusted torque setpoint.
[0009] In yet another aspect, embodiments of another system for
controlling a wind turbine are described. One embodiment comprises
one or more measurement devices, wherein the one or more
measurement devices are configured to measure at least a system
grid voltage, one or more grid currents, one or more grid phase
angles, and an ambient temperature; a controller; and a memory
associated with the controller, wherein the controller is
configured to: receive the system grid voltage, one or more grid
currents, one or more grid phase angles, and ambient temperature
from the one or more measurement devices; calculate a system power
factor from the received system grid voltage, one or more grid
currents, one or more grid phase angles; retrieve an initial torque
setpoint, altitude of the wind turbine and a turbulence intensity
from the memory; determine an adjusted torque setpoint for the wind
turbine based on the system grid voltage, the system power factor,
ambient temperature, altitude of the wind turbine, and the
turbulence intensity; replace the initial torque setpoint in the
controller for the wind turbine with the determined adjusted torque
setpoint; and uprate or derate a power rating of the wind turbine
based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint.
[0010] Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the
description which follows or may be learned by practice. The
advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements
and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and
explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the methods and systems:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
wind turbine in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a portion
of the wind turbine shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the present
disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a wind turbine in
accordance with the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an overview block diagram of an embodiment of a
wind farm system as described herein;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates an embodiment of a
method of controlling a power rating of a wind turbine;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a non-limiting graphical example illustrating a
power curve versus wind speed for an exemplary wind turbine;
and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
operating environment for performing the disclosed methods.
[0019] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and
described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are
not limited to specific synthetic methods, specific components, or
to particular compositions. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments
only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0021] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed
herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about"
another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another
embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the
other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as
approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be
understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It
will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges
are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the other endpoint.
[0022] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently
described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the
description includes instances where said event or circumstance
occurs and instances where it does not.
[0023] Throughout the description and claims of this specification,
the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as
"comprising" and "comprises," means "including but not limited to,"
and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives,
components, integers or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example of"
and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal
embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a restrictive sense, but for
explanatory purposes.
[0024] Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the
disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are
disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations,
subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are
disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual
and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be
explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and
described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all
aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in
disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps
that can be performed it is understood that each of these
additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or
combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.
[0025] The present methods and systems may be understood more
readily by reference to the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the
Figures and their previous and following description.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary wind turbine
generator 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a
portion of an exemplary wind turbine generator 10 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a schematic
diagram of an exemplary wind turbine 10. According to embodiments
of the present disclosure, torque-based control of the power output
of a wind turbine generator can be performed. For example, one or
more measurement devices such as sensors, anemometers, and the like
that are associated with one or more wind turbines are used to
measure operating conditions such as, for example, a system grid
voltage, one or more grid currents, phase angles of the voltage and
currents, ambient temperature, and the like. A computing device,
such as a controller, that is associated with the one or more wind
turbines receives the measured operating condition information,
calculates a system power factor from the received system voltage,
currents and phase angles, and determines an adjusted torque
setpoint for the wind turbine based on the measured operating
conditions. The calculation of the adjusted torque setpoint may
also take into consideration preset parameters such as the initial
torque setpoint, altitude of a wind turbine, turbulence intensity,
and the like. The torque rating in the computing device for the
wind turbine is set based on the determined adjusted torque
setpoint. The total power delivered from a generator to the grid is
given by the equation P.sub.gen=T*.omega..sub.m, where T=airgap
torque of the generator and .omega..sub.m is the rotor mechanical
speed. Because the real power output of a wind turbine is
proportional to the torque, the real power output rating of the
wind turbine can be uprated (greater output real power) or derated
(less output real power) based on the set torque rating.
[0027] The exemplary wind turbine 10 (herein, wind turbine and wind
turbine generator shall be used interchangeably) described and
illustrated herein is a wind generator for generating electrical
power from wind energy. However, in some embodiments, wind turbine
10 may be, in addition or alternative to a wind generator, any type
of wind turbine, such as, but not limited to, a windmill (not
shown). Moreover, the exemplary wind turbine 10 described and
illustrated herein includes a horizontal-axis configuration.
However, in some embodiments, wind turbine 10 may include, in
addition or alternative to the horizontal-axis configuration, a
vertical-axis configuration (not shown). Wind turbine 10 may be
coupled to an electrical load (not shown), such as, but not limited
to, a power grid (not shown) for receiving electrical power
therefrom to drive operation of wind turbine 10 and/or its
associated components and/or for supplying electrical power
generated by wind turbine 10 thereto. Although only one wind
turbine 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some embodiments a plurality
of wind turbines 10 may be grouped together, sometimes referred to
as a "wind farm" or "wind park."
[0028] The exemplary wind turbine 10 includes a body 16, sometimes
referred to as a "nacelle", and a rotor (generally designated by
18) coupled to body 16 for rotation with respect to body 16 about
an axis of rotation 20. In the exemplary embodiment, nacelle 16 is
mounted on a tower 14. The height of tower 14 may be any suitable
height enabling wind turbine 10 to function as described herein.
Rotor 18 includes a hub 22 and a plurality of blades 24 (sometimes
referred to as "airfoils") extending radially outward from hub 22
for converting wind energy into rotational energy. Each blade 24
has a tip 25 positioned at the end thereof, which is distant from
the hub 22. Although rotor 18 is described and illustrated herein
as having three blades 24, rotor 18 may have any number of blades
24. Blades 24 may each have any length (whether or not described
herein).
[0029] Despite how rotor blades 24 are illustrated in FIG. 1, rotor
18 may have blades 24 of any shape, and may have blades 24 of any
type and/or any configuration, whether or not such shape, type,
and/or configuration is described and/or illustrated herein.
Another example of a type, shape, and/or configuration of rotor
blades 24 is a Darrieus wind turbine, sometimes referred to as an
"eggbeater" turbine. Yet another example of a type, shape, and/or
configuration of rotor blades 24 is a Savonious wind turbine. Even
another example of another type, shape, and/or configuration of
rotor blades 24 is a traditional windmill for pumping water, such
as, but not limited to, four-bladed rotors having wooden shutters
and/or fabric sails. Moreover, the exemplary wind turbine 10 may,
in some embodiments, be a wind turbine wherein rotor 18 generally
faces upwind to harness wind energy, and/or may be a wind turbine
wherein rotor 18 generally faces downwind to harness energy. Of
course, in any embodiments, rotor 18 may not face exactly upwind
and/or downwind, but may face generally at any angle (which may be
variable) with respect to a direction of the wind to harness energy
therefrom.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the exemplary wind turbine
10 includes an electrical generator 26 coupled to rotor 18 for
generating electrical power from the rotational energy generated by
rotor 18. Generator 26 may be any suitable type of electrical
generator, such as, but not limited to, a wound rotor induction
generator. Generator 26 includes a stator (not shown) and a rotor
(not shown). Wind turbine rotor 18 includes a rotor shaft 30
coupled to rotor hub 22 for rotation therewith. Generator 26 is
coupled to rotor shaft 30 such that rotation of rotor shaft 30
drives rotation of the generator rotor, and therefore operation of
generator 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the generator rotor has
a rotor shaft 28 coupled thereto and coupled to rotor shaft 30 such
that rotation of rotor shaft 30 drives rotation of the generator
rotor. In other embodiments, the generator rotor is directly
coupled to rotor shaft 30, sometimes referred to as a "direct-drive
wind turbine." In the exemplary embodiment, generator rotor shaft
28 is coupled to rotor shaft 28 through a gearbox 32, although in
other embodiments the generator rotor shaft 28 is coupled directly
to rotor shaft 30. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment,
gearbox 32 has a low speed side 34 coupled to rotor shaft 30 and a
high speed side 36 coupled to generator rotor shaft 28. The torque
of rotor 18 drives the generator rotor to thereby generate variable
frequency AC electrical power from rotation of rotor 18. Generator
26 has an air gap torque between the generator rotor and stator
that opposes the torque of rotor 18. A frequency converter 38 is
coupled to generator 26 for converting the variable frequency AC to
a fixed frequency AC for delivery to an electrical load (not
shown), such as, but not limited to, a power grid (not shown),
coupled to generator 26. Frequency converter 38 may be located
anywhere within or remote to wind turbine 10. For example, in the
exemplary embodiment, frequency converter 38 is located within a
base (not shown) of tower 14.
[0031] In one aspect, exemplary wind turbine 10 includes one or
more control systems embodied in a turbine control unit (TCU) or
controller (herein, TCU and controller shall be used
interchangeably) 40 coupled to some or all of the components of
wind turbine 10 for generally controlling operation of wind turbine
10 and/or some or all of the components thereof (whether or not
such components are described and/or illustrated herein). In one
aspect, the TCU 40 may be used for, but is not limited to, power
generation monitoring and control including, for example, pitch and
speed regulation, high-speed shaft and yaw brake application, yaw
and pump motor application, fault monitoring, speed monitoring and
control, generator control include real and reactive power
settings, torque settings, ambient temperature monitoring, altitude
and barometric pressure monitoring, grid condition (e.g., voltage,
current, phase angles), and the like. In one aspect, the initial
torque setpoint, altitude of a wind turbine and other parameters
such as turbulence intensity may be preset parameters that can be
stored in a memory associated with the TCU 40, as such memory is
described herein, or in a memory associated with a computing device
connected with the TCU 40, as such computing device may be
described herein. Alternative distributed or centralized control
architectures may be used in some embodiments.
[0032] In some embodiments, wind turbine 10 may include a disc
brake (not shown) for braking rotation of rotor 18 to, for example,
slow rotation of rotor 18, brake rotor 18 against full wind torque,
and/or reduce the generation of electrical power from electrical
generator 26. Furthermore, in some embodiments, wind turbine 10 may
include a yaw system 42 for rotating nacelle 16 about an axis of
rotation 44, for changing a yaw of rotor 18, and more specifically
for changing a direction faced by rotor 18 to, for example, adjust
an angle between the direction faced by rotor 18 and a direction of
wind. In one aspect, the yaw system 42 may be coupled to the TCU 40
for control thereby. In some embodiments, wind turbine 10 may
include anemometry 46 for measuring wind speed and/or wind
direction. Anemometry 46, in some embodiments, may be coupled to
the TCU 40 for sending measurements to control system(s) for
processing thereof. For example, although anemometry 46 may be
coupled to the TCU 40 for sending measurements thereto for
controlling other operations of wind turbine 10, anemometry 46 may
send measurements to the TCU 40 for controlling and/or changing a
yaw of rotor 18 using yaw system 42. Alternatively, anemometry 46
may be coupled directly to yaw system 42 for controlling and/or
changing a yaw of rotor 18.
[0033] In one aspect, the exemplary wind turbine 10 may also
include a plurality of sensors or measurement devices 48, 50, 52,
54, 55 (FIG. 3), for measuring an angle of each blade 24 with
respect to a wind direction and/or with respect to rotor hub 22,
for measuring a speed of rotation of rotor shaft 28 and/or a torque
of generator rotor shaft 28, for measuring a speed of rotation of
generator shaft 28 and/or a torque of rotor shaft 30, for measuring
an electrical power output of generator 26, for sending
measurements to control system(s) for processing, and for measuring
parameters of component(s) such as sensors configured to measure
displacements, yaw, pitch, movements, strain, stress, twist,
damage, failure, rotor torque, rotor speed, an anomaly in the
electrical load, and/or an anomaly of power supplied to any
component of wind turbine 10, and the like. Such other sensors may
couple to any component of wind turbine 10 and/or the electrical
load at any location thereof for measuring any parameter thereof,
whether or not such component, location, and/or parameter is
described and/or illustrated herein.
[0034] Referring again to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the TCU 40
can include a bus 62 or other communications device to communicate
information. One or more processor(s) 64 can be coupled to bus 62
to process information, including information from anemometry 46,
sensors 48, 50, 52, 54 and/or 55, and/or other sensor(s). The TCU
40 may also include one or more random access memories (RAM) 66
and/or other storage device(s) 68. RAM(s) 66 and storage device(s)
68 are coupled to bus 62 to store and transfer information and
instructions to be executed by processor(s) 64. RAM(s) 66 (and/or
also storage device(s) 68, if included) can also be used to store
temporary variables or other intermediate information during
execution of instructions by processor(s) 64. The TCU 40 may also
include one or more read only memories (ROM) 70 and/or other static
storage devices coupled to bus 62 to store and provide static
(i.e., non-changing) information and instructions to processor(s)
64. Input/output device(s) 72 may include any device known in the
art to provide input data to control system(s) and/or to provide
outputs, such as, but not limited to, yaw control and/or pitch
control outputs. Furthermore, in one aspect the TCU 40 interfaces
with a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system (not
shown) through the input/output device 72. The SCADA system can be
used to collect and monitor data from the wind turbine 10 as well
as to provide control commands to the TCU 40. Instructions may be
provided to memory from a storage device, such as, but not limited
to, a magnetic disk, a read-only memory (ROM) integrated circuit,
CD-ROM, and/or DVD, via a remote connection that is either wired or
wireless, providing access to one or more electronically-accessible
media, etc. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry can be used
in place of or in combination with software instructions. Thus,
execution of sequences of instructions is not limited to any
specific combination of hardware circuitry and software
instructions, whether described and/or illustrated herein. In one
aspect, the TCU 40 may also include a sensor interface 74 that
allows control system(s) 40 to communicate with anemometry 46,
sensors 48, 50, 52, 54 and/or 55, and/or other sensor(s). Sensor
interface 74 can be or can include, for example, one or more
analog-to-digital converters that convert analog signals into
digital signals that can be used by processor(s) 64.
[0035] As noted above, in one aspect the TCU 40 can operate in
conjunction with a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)
system to dynamically monitor and control wind turbine(s) 10 or
wind farm(s). The SCADA system can include a Human-Machine
Interface (HMI), a supervisory (computer) system, Remote Terminal
Units (RTUs), and a communication infrastructure. The HMI is an
apparatus that presents performance-related information to the
operator. By using the HMI, the operator can monitor and/or control
operation of wind turbine(s) 10 and/or wind farm(s). In one aspect,
the HMI includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the
operator to interface with the wind farm in a graphical manner. The
supervisory system monitors wind turbine(s) 10 and/or wind farm(s)
by gathering and/or acquiring information (in the form of data).
Also, the supervisory system controls wind turbine(s) 10 and/or
wind farm(s) by transmitting commands to wind turbine(s) 10 and/or
wind farm(s). The RTUs receive signals from anemometry 46, sensors
48, 50, 52, 54 and/or 55, and/or other sensor(s), convert the
signals into digital data, and transmit the digital data to the
supervisory system via the communication infrastructure (for
example, optical fibers). In one aspect, the TCU 40 comprises an
RTU. In one aspect, in addition to the wind turbines 10, the wind
farm can comprise one or more substation and/or meteorological
stations, each having separate RTUs.
[0036] The SCADA system acts as a "nerve center" for wind
turbine(s) 10 and/or wind farm(s). The SCADA system continuously
analyzes the performance-related information and transmits signals
to the GUI so that the performance-related information can be
visually depicted in a dynamic manner. The SCADA system can monitor
and/or control wind turbine(s) 10 and wind farm(s), one or more
substations (not shown), and one or more meteorological stations
(not shown) thus allowing the operator to cohesively monitor and/or
control wind turbine(s) 10 at a specific location, a wind farm, or
any other suitable grouping of wind turbines 10. The SCADA system
stores periodic records throughout a given period of time. The
periodic records can be based upon activity at the specific
location, the wind farm, or any other suitable grouping of wind
turbines 10. The periodic records can be analyzed to provide the
operator with performance-related information. The
performance-related information can be used for implementing
corrective action. The SCADA system implements requirements based
upon connection agreements to control reactive power production, to
contribute to network voltage or frequency control, or to limit
power output in response to instructions from a network
operator.
[0037] FIG. 4 provides an overview block diagram of an embodiment
of a wind farm system as described above. A computing device 402
that can be used as a SCADA-master is described. The SCADA-master
402 communicates over a network 410 with various remote terminal
units (RTUs) 412. The network 410 can be wired (including fiber
optic or other non-conductive mediums), wireless or a combination
thereof as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In one
aspect, the RTUs 412 can comprise turbine control units (TCUs),
substation control units (SCUs), meteorological control units
(MCUs), and the like. Further comprising the system of FIG. 4 are
one or more wind turbines 10, one or more substations 416 and one
or more meteorological stations 418.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 4, a computing device such as SCADA-master
402 receives supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data
for a wind farm 400 over the network 410 or retrieves stored data
from a memory. In one aspect, the wind farm 400 is comprised of one
or more wind turbines 10. In one aspect, the wind farm 400 is
further comprised of one or more meteorological sites 418 and one
or more substation sites 416. SCADA data includes parameters for
the wind farm including control and operational parameters for the
one or more wind turbines 10. In one aspect, the wind farm
parameters include historical data and real-time data points.
Real-time data points are tags that can be updated into the SCADA
system every second or other near real-time time period from the
wind farm (e.g., wind turbines, substation, meteorological
controller, output of other rules, etc.). Examples of real-time
data points for a wind farm 400 include, for example, wind speed,
turbine power (turbines), wind direction (meteorological), KVarh
import/export (substation), site power (output of aggregation
rule), system grid voltage, system power factor, ambient
temperature, and the like. Historical data can include, for
example, current month power production, current year down time,
power production till date since commissioning, average generator
temperature since last 10 min, average power production since last
week, and the like. All of these points, historical and real-time,
can be configured using the SCADA-master 402. Stored data can
include, for example, preset values such as an initial torque
setpoint, altitude of the wind turbine, turbulence intensity, and
the like.
[0039] In one aspect, the SCADA master 402, TCU 40, or other
computing device can be used to implement a method of controlling a
wind turbine 10. For example, as shown in the exemplary flow chart
of FIG. 5, at step 502 in one aspect, one or more preset values can
be retrieved by the TCU 40, SCADA master 402, or other computing
device from a memory. In one aspect, the one or more preset values
include an initial torque setpoint for a wind turbine. In other
aspects, the one or more preset values can include altitude of the
wind turbine, turbulence intensity, and the like. At step 504, an
adjusted torque setpoint for the wind turbine can be determined by
the TCU 40, SCADA master 402, or other computing device based at
least in part on one or more operating conditions received from one
or more measurement devices associated with the wind turbine. In
one aspect, preset values such as altitude of the wind turbine,
turbulence intensity, and the like can also be used to determine
the adjusted torque setpoint. The one or more measured operating
conditions of a wind turbine can be received by the TCU 40, SCADA
master 402, or other computing device from one or more measurement
devices such as sensors 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and/or 55 associated
with a wind turbine 10, sensors (not shown) associated with a
substation site 416, sensors associated with a meteorology site
418, and the like. In one non-limiting example, these measured
operating conditions can include one or more of a system grid
voltage, grid currents, grid phase angles (where the measured
voltages, currents and phase angles can be used to calculate a
system power factor), ambient temperature, and the like. Generally,
the adjusted torque setpoint for the wind turbine 10 is set in the
SCADA master 402, TCU 40, or other computing device. Generally,
this torque rating is stored in one or more memory locations such
as in memory 66 of the TCU 40, system memory 712 and/or mass
storage 704 of the SCADA master 402 (see FIG. 7), and the like.
This torque rating is used by the SCADA master 402, TCU 40, or
other computing device to control the power output by the generator
26 of the wind turbine 10. At step 506, a real power output rating
of the wind turbine can be adjusted based on the determined
adjusted torque setpoint. For example, at the system grid voltage
of 1.0 per unit or greater, the ambient temperature of about 40
Celsius, and a system power factor of between -0.90 up to and
including about +0.90, the determined torque setpoint may be at its
maximum for the wind turbine 10. Because real power output of the
generator 26 of the wind turbine 10 is proportional to the torque,
a maximum torque setpoint allows the machine to produce maximum
power output thereby uprating the real power output of the wind
turbine 10. For example, adjusting the real power output rating of
the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint
may comprise uprating an initial real power output rating of the
wind turbine by about three percent or greater based on the
determined adjusted torque setpoint at the system grid voltage of
1.0 per unit or greater, the ambient temperature of about 40
Celsius, and the system power factor is between -0.90 up to and
including about +0.90. In one specific, non-limiting example, a
wind turbine having an initial real power output rating of 1.62 MW
may be uprated to 1.68 MW at the system grid voltage of 1.0 per
unit or greater, the ambient temperature of about 40 Celsius, and
the system power factor is between -0.90 up to and including about
+0.90. Conversely, at other operating conditions, the determined
torque setpoint may be adjusted downwardly thereby derating the
power output of the wind turbine. For example, the wind turbine 10
may have an initial power rating of greater than about 1.60 MW and
the derated power rating of the wind turbine is 1.60 MW or less
when the system power factor is between -0.90 to and including
about -0.95. In one specific, non-limiting example, a wind turbine
having an initial real power output rating of about 1.60 MW may be
uprated by about 0.10 percent or more (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, etc.)
based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint when the system
power factor is between -0.90 to and including about -0.95.
Derating the real power output of the wind turbine can allow the
generator 26 to produce more reactive power when the grid has a
need for reactive power. This process allows the power output of
the wind turbine 10 to be uprated or derated depending upon
measured operating conditions by adjusting the torque setpoint of
the wind turbine 10. The above-described process of FIG. 5 can
occur continuously or intermittently to continually adjust the
torque setting of the wind turbine 10 based on measured operating
conditions, which results in adjusting the power output of the
generator 26 of the wind turbine 10 based on the measured operating
conditions. This can allow power output of the machine to be more
closely aligned with actual measured operating conditions and less
determined by average operating conditions. Such alignment, in some
instances, may increase the power output by the wind turbine 10
without decreasing safety margins, thereby increasing annual energy
production (AEP) of the wind turbine 10.
[0040] Consider the following example. Shown in FIG. 6 is a power
curve versus wind speed for an exemplary wind turbine. Though the
exemplary wind turbine used to illustrate the data in FIG. 6 is a
General Electric (GE) 1.6 MW-82.5 Meter wind turbine (as available
from General Electric Company, Schenectady, N.Y.), it is to be
appreciated that embodiments of the present invention are
applicable to wind turbine manufactured by other entities and wind
turbine having different ratings. The exemplary turbine has an
exemplary rating of 1.6 MW. The first curve 602 illustrated using
the triangular marks illustrates a maximum power output of about
1.62 MW with a Rho of 1.225, where Rho is the standard density
expressed in kg/m.sup.3, using conventional control of the wind
turbine. The second curve 604, shown using asterisks, which
incorporates an embodiment of the invention where the measured
operating conditions are used to set the torque rating of the wind
turbine, illustrates that power output can be increased from about
1.62 MW to about 1.68 MW with a Rho of 1.225. This increased power
output can result in an increased AEP of about 2.08 percent given
an average wind speed of about 8.5 m/s.
[0041] The above system has been described above as comprised of
units. One skilled in the art will appreciate that this is a
functional description and that software, hardware, or a
combination of software and hardware can perform the respective
functions. A unit can be software, hardware, or a combination of
software and hardware. The units can comprise software 706 as
illustrated in FIG. 7 and described below for determining a torque
setpoint for a wind turbine based on operating conditions. In one
exemplary aspect, the units can comprise a computing device such as
the SCADA-master 402 as illustrated in FIG. 7 and described
below.
[0042] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
operating environment for performing embodiments of the disclosed
methods. This exemplary operating environment is only an example of
an operating environment and is not intended to suggest any
limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of operating
environment architecture. Neither should the operating environment
be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to
any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary
operating environment.
[0043] The present methods and systems can be operational with
numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system
environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing
systems, environments, and/or configurations that can be suitable
for use with the systems and methods comprise, but are not limited
to, personal computers, server computers, laptop devices, and
multiprocessor systems. Additional examples comprise set top boxes,
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, remote terminal units, smart meters,
smart-grid components, distributed computing environments that
comprise any of the above systems or devices, programmable logic
controllers (PLCs) and the like.
[0044] Processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be
performed by software components. The disclosed systems and methods
can be described in the general context of computer-executable
instructions, such as program modules, being executed by one or
more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules
comprise computer code, routines, programs, objects, components,
data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. The disclosed methods can also be
practiced in grid-based and distributed computing environments
where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are
linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
[0045] Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the
systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented via a
general-purpose computing device in the form of a computing device
402. The components of the computing device 402 can comprise, but
are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 703,
a system memory 712, and a system bus 713 that couples various
system components including the processor 703 to the system memory
712. In the case of multiple processing units 703, the system can
utilize parallel computing. In one aspect, the one or more
processors or processing units 703 can be configured to receive one
or more measured operating conditions of a wind turbine from one or
more measurement devices; determine an adjusted torque setpoint for
the wind turbine based on the one or more received operating
conditions; and adjust a real power output rating for the wind
turbine based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint. In one
aspect, the adjusted torque setpoint can be stored in one or more
of the memory 704, 712 of the SCADA master 402, in the memory of an
RTU 412, in the memory of a TCU 40, and the like.
[0046] The system bus 713 represents one or more of several
possible types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a
processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.
By way of example, such architectures can comprise an Industry
Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA)
bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA) local bus, an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI), a PCI-Express
bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA),
Universal Serial Bus (USB) and the like. The bus 713, and all buses
specified in this description can also be implemented over a wired
or wireless network connection and each of the subsystems,
including the processor 703, a mass storage device 704, an
operating system 705, software 706, data 707, a network adapter
708, system memory 712, an Input/Output Interface 710, a display
adapter 709, a display device 711, and a human machine interface
702, can be contained within one or more remote computing devices,
clients or remote terminal units (RTUs) 714a,b,c at physically
separate locations, connected through buses of this form, in effect
implementing a fully distributed system or distributed
architecture.
[0047] The computing device 402 typically comprises a variety of
computer readable media. Exemplary readable media can be any
available media that is non-transitory and accessible by the
computing device 402 and comprises, for example and not meant to be
limiting, both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and
non-removable media. The system memory 712 comprises computer
readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random
access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only
memory (ROM). The system memory 712 typically contains data such as
trigger point data 707 and/or program modules such as operating
system 705 and software 706 that are immediately accessible to
and/or are presently operated on by the processing unit 703.
[0048] In another aspect, the computing device 402 can also
comprise other non-transitory, removable/non-removable,
volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example,
FIG. 7 illustrates a mass storage device 704 that can provide
non-volatile storage of computer code, computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for
the computing device 402. For example, and not meant to be
limiting, a mass storage device 704 can be a hard disk, a removable
magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, magnetic cassettes or
other magnetic storage devices, flash memory cards, CD-ROM, digital
versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, random access
memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like.
[0049] Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on
the mass storage device 704, including by way of example, an
operating system 705 and software 706. Each of the operating system
705 and software 706 (or some combination thereof) can comprise
elements of the programming and the software 706. Data 707 can also
be stored on the mass storage device 704. Data 707 can be stored in
any of one or more databases known in the art Examples of such
databases comprise, DB2.RTM. (IBM Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.),
Microsoft.RTM. Access, Microsoft.RTM. SQL Server, (Microsoft
Corporation, Bellevue, Wash.), Oracle.RTM., (Oracle Corporation,
Redwood Shores, Calif.), mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. The
databases can be centralized or distributed across multiple
systems.
[0050] In another aspect, the user can enter commands and
information into the computing device 402 via an input device (not
shown). Examples of such input devices comprise, but are not
limited to, a keyboard, pointing device (e.g., a "mouse"), a
microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactile input devices such as
gloves and other body coverings, and the like. These and other
input devices can be connected to the processing unit 703 via a
human machine interface 702 that is coupled to the system bus 713,
but can be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as
a parallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a
Firewire port), a serial port, a universal serial bus (USB), and
the like.
[0051] In yet another aspect, a display device 711 can also be
connected to the system bus 713 via an interface, such as a display
adapter 709. It is contemplated that the computing device 402 can
have more than one display adapter 709 and the computing device 402
can have more than one display device 711. For example, a display
device can be a monitor, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a
projector, and the like. In addition to the display device 711,
other output peripheral devices can comprise components such as
speakers (not shown) and a printer (not shown), which can be
connected to the computing device 402 via Input/Output Interface
710. Any step and/or result of the methods can be output in any
form to an output device. Such output can be any form of visual
representation, including, but not limited to, textual, graphical,
animation, audio, tactile, and the like.
[0052] The computing device 402 can operate in a networked
environment using logical connections to one or more remote
computing devices, clients or RTUs 714a,b,c. By way of example, a
remote computing device 714 can be a personal computer, portable
computer, a server, a router, a network computer, a smart meter, a
vendor or manufacture's computing device, smart grid components, a
peer device, an RTU, or other common network node, and so on.
Logical connections between the computing device 402 and a remote
computing device, client or RTU 714a,b,c can be made via a local
area network (LAN) and a general wide area network (WAN). Such
network connections can be through a network adapter 708. A network
adapter 708 can be implemented in both wired and wireless
environments. Such networking environments are conventional and
commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks,
intranets, and other networks 715.
[0053] For purposes of illustration, application programs and other
executable program components such as the operating system 705 are
illustrated herein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized
that such programs and components reside at various times in
different storage components of the computing device 402, and are
executed by the data processor(s) of the computer. An
implementation of the software 706 can be stored on or transmitted
across some form of computer readable media. Any of the disclosed
methods can be performed by computer readable instructions embodied
on computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any
available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of
example and not meant to be limiting, computer readable media can
comprise "computer storage media" and "communications media."
"Computer storage media" comprise volatile and non-volatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any methods or
technology for storage of information such as computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
Exemplary computer storage media comprises, but is not limited to,
RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM,
digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic
cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the
desired information and which can be accessed by a computer.
[0054] The methods and systems can employ Artificial Intelligence
techniques such as machine learning and iterative learning.
Examples of such techniques include, but are not limited to, expert
systems, case based reasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based
AI, neural networks, fuzzy systems, evolutionary computation (e.g.
genetic algorithms), swarm intelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and
hybrid intelligent systems (e.g. Expert inference rules generated
through a neural network or production rules from statistical
learning).
[0055] As described above and as will be appreciated by one skilled
in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be configured
as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly,
embodiments of the present invention may be comprised of various
means including entirely of hardware, entirely of software, or any
combination of software and hardware. Furthermore, embodiments of
the present invention may take the form of a computer program
product on a computer-readable storage medium having
computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software)
embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard
disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage
devices.
[0056] Embodiments of the present invention have been described
above with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations
of methods, apparatuses (i.e., systems) and computer program
products. It will be understood that each block of the block
diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in
the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can
be implemented by various means including computer program
instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded
onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other
programmable data processing apparatus, such as the one or more
processors 703 discussed above with reference to FIG. 7, to produce
a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer
or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for
implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or
blocks.
[0057] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
non-transitory computer-readable memory that can direct a computer
or other programmable data processing apparatus (e.g., one or more
processors 703 of FIG. 7) to function in a particular manner, such
that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory
produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable
instructions for implementing the function specified in the
flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may
also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data
processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be
performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to
produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions
that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus
provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the
flowchart block or blocks.
[0058] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart
illustrations support combinations of means for performing the
specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the
specified functions and program instruction means for performing
the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block
of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be
implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that
perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of
special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0059] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended
that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its
steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method
claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps
or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or
descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order,
it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect.
This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation,
including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or
operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical
organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments
described in the specification.
[0060] Throughout this application, various publications may be
referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their
entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this
application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to
which the methods and systems pertain.
[0061] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these embodiments of the invention pertain having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific
embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments
are intended to be included within the scope of the appended
claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context
of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it
should be appreciated that different combinations of elements
and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without
departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard,
for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions
than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may
be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific
terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *